Evening all, bit of a dilemma. My car has failed its MOT, one reason being she’s burning oil like a good’un, 1 ltr per fortnight! I’ve been told the best fix is a new engine as they say it’s the valve seals, which as you can imagine is a big job. I’ve been quoted £1000 to source an engine and have it fitted.
What I want to do is get rid really. Have the other MOT issue sorted (no problem), but realistically, if I can get her through the emissions aspect of the MOT, how much shall I tell a new owner about the seals issue?
Is it a case of sold as seen, or be honest and admit there is an ongoing issue and hence expect a lower asking price?
Just wondering other posters thoughts…
It’s a nice car but probably only worth £1800 so difficult to justify the repair costs.
bazza123:
Evening all, bit of a dilemma. My car has failed its MOT, one reason being she’s burning oil like a good’un, 1 ltr per fortnight! I’ve been told the best fix is a new engine as they say it’s the valve seals, which as you can imagine is a big job. I’ve been quoted £1000 to source an engine and have it fitted.
What I want to do is get rid really. Have the other MOT issue sorted (no problem), but realistically, if I can get her through the emissions aspect of the MOT, how much shall I tell a new owner about the seals issue?
Is it a case of sold as seen, or be honest and admit there is an ongoing issue and hence expect a lower asking price?
Just wondering other posters thoughts…
It’s a nice car but probably only worth £1800 so difficult to justify the repair costs.
I don’t think the sold as seen would hold up if it was proven you withheld information if asked
m1cks:
You dont have to disclose that you’ve had the fault diagnosed but you could mention its using oil at ■■/week. As with any used car it’s buyer beware.
That sounds like the balance I’m trying to strike. I don’t want to see a dud but also don’t want to make it sound terrible.
bazza123:
Evening all, bit of a dilemma. My car has failed its MOT, one reason being she’s burning oil like a good’un, 1 ltr per fortnight! I’ve been told the best fix is a new engine as they say it’s the valve seals, which as you can imagine is a big job. I’ve been quoted £1000 to source an engine and have it fitted.
What I want to do is get rid really. Have the other MOT issue sorted (no problem), but realistically, if I can get her through the emissions aspect of the MOT, how much shall I tell a new owner about the seals issue?
Is it a case of sold as seen, or be honest and admit there is an ongoing issue and hence expect a lower asking price?
Just wondering other posters thoughts…
It’s a nice car but probably only worth £1800 so difficult to justify the repair costs.
flog it spares or repair, be honest about it as you probably wouldnt like too buy a car then find out the seller stiffed you with a engine that is shagged
m1cks:
You dont have to disclose that you’ve had the fault diagnosed but you could mention its using oil at ■■/week. As with any used car it’s buyer beware.
it would have been noted on the Mot as a fail or advisory , so if the new owner went and checked at the station it would be failing to disclose the fault … just be honest … " It uses oil has done for a while but still runs true…" I paid £275 for a motor like that an the boy ran it for 18mths
If its only valve seals, then all it needs is the head taking off, and taking to a garage that reconditions heads, or you could do it your self if you have the tools, or know someone who has. You just need to have the head skimmed, and new valves/ stems and seals should be a good un. While the heads off you could drop the sump, and take the pistons out to renew the rings providing theyre all in good nick, would seem a shame to do the head work and not touch the bottom end.
I have a Lexus IS200 that had (I was told worn valves) low compression and that an engine replacement was probably the cheaper option than having all the work at £XXXXXX per hour labour plus parts and that the cost of fitting another engine would be around £600 plus engine cost, sourced an engine for £505 including delivery to the highlands and islands but installation eventually came to £1657.83 FFS, so if you know anyone wanting a £1500 car that cost me in total £6300 let them know then they can buy mine !!! It’s a good car now though cos I think the only thing I aint repaired/replaced/reconditioned is the ■■■■■■ ashtray !
What car is it ? I used a little spring compressor, specially made for replacing stem seals without taking the head off. This was on two ohc engines, one a Toyota, the other a Mitsubishi and a few ohv engines, Ford and Holden. with ohc engines, whip camshaft (s) out, no need with ohv, just take off the rocker shaft, remove plugs, get a screwdriver (cheapie) that fits through plug hole, bend it so’s the tip can hold the valve up and wind the piston up until it supports the valve. Tap the top of the valve retaining collar to unjam it, use the small compressor and do the change.
A lot of modern engines look daunting until you get those bloody great lumps of plastic off, then they’re more or less normal.
Update: Got a a second opinion from a BMW independent specialist garage - likely faulty CCV /oil separator valve. Had it changed, plus new MoT for £146!!! Bargain.
It can pay to get a second opinion after all… A lot of garages are unscrupulous and have you over a barrel.
